New WIP Release (1.4 2017-03-31)

We’re pleased to announce the release of a new Work-in-Progress (WIP) version of Orca3D (1.4 WIP 2017-03-31). This WIP will expire on October 4th, 2017.

Please note that this release no longer supports Rhinoceros version 4. This and future Orca3D WIP releases require Rhinoceros version 5.

Enhanced Features:

  • In the Orca3D Simerics Marine Simulation interface:
      • Implemented the ability to create self-propelled Simerics simulations by defining one or more propulsors in the model.
      • Implemented the ability to adjust the surface mesh created by the Rhino mesher for export to Simerics as well as the ability to display mesh faces whose area or aspect ratio are beyond a user-specified value.
      • Implemented the ability to accept closed Rhino mesh geometry as input to the marine simulation command. In addition to allowing users to create the marine simulation from native mesh geometry, this also allows users to create a mesh from a closed polysurface and perform any desired pre-processing on the mesh.
      • Added the ability to select more than one closed body for the marine simulation. This allows users modeling catamarans to avoid having to model the connecting structure as long as it has no significant effect on the simulation.
      • Added the ability to control the mesh density and size of the domain created in the Simerics analysis. Also added logic to estimate the required time step and simulation length.
      • Implemented persistence of all input to the marine simulation

Bug Fixes:

  • In the Orca3D Simerics Marine Simulation interface:
    • Fixed several unit-related bugs when operating in non-SI unit systems
    • Fixed bugs related to model orientations other than the default x-longitudinal, z-vertical orientation
    • Fixed a bug in which the Rhino surface mesh of a closed polysurface was not necessarily a closed mesh.

 

As a WIP, there will certainly be feature additions, changes, or removals before the final release, but this is your chance to give us feedback and suggestions. A few important notes to be aware of:

  • This version of the 1.4 WIP will function only with Rhino 5, and not with Rhino 4. You should have Service Release 12 or later.
  • Only one version of Orca3D may be installed at a time. Therefore, you must uninstall Orca3D from your computer before installing this WIP.
  • No change to your License is required. The new version of Orca3D will find your existing License.
  • Portions of the Help file may not be entirely up to date.
  • This WIP will expire on October 4th, 2017. Either a new version of Orca3D will be released before then, or a new WIP will be released.

If you have questions as you install and use the new release, remember that you can:

  • send an email to support@orca3d.com
  • read through the Help file which is available from the Orca3D menu in Rhino, and on our web site here

To download the new version, please visit Our Work-in-Progress page. Thank you very much for using Orca3D, and we look forward to hearing from you!